As a devoted Peace Commissioner who is extensively involved in certifying documentation for naturalisation applications, several applicants are bewildered as to where they may obtain the statutory declaration or the passport certification form.
This blog post serves an important purpose: it deconstructs the often-confusing landscape of document requirements for persons seeking naturalisation in Ireland. My goal is to provide a clear guide that alleviates the anxiety surrounding document certification.
Navigating many pieces of paperwork, such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, evidence of residence, and character references, can be difficult. Through this blog, I hope to shed light on the essential documents required for certification only. Each heading will be linked to the appropriate INIS-provided Word document, certification form, and statutory declaration for individual applications, expediting the process and providing applicants with a clearer route towards their naturalisation journey.
A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your current in-date passport. The colour copy must be certified and the passport certification form by a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner or notary public.
A certified copy of your original civil birth certificate, and a copy of a translation into English if the certificate is in a language other than English or Irish.
Above two and Certified copies of all documentation proving your Irish associations e.g. all birth and/or marriage certificates or civil partnership agreements needed to show association, a certified copy of foreign birth registry entry, copy of naturalisation certificate or certified copy of passport page with photograph, etc.
A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your current in-date passport. The colour copy must be certified and the passport certification form by a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner or notary public.
A certified copy of your original civil birth certificate, and a copy of a translation into English if the certificate is in a language other than English or Irish.
Documentary proof of Irish spouse’s/civil partner’s entitlement to Irish citizenship (certified copy of Irish spouse’s/civil partner’s birth certificate if born in Ireland / certified copy of foreign birth register entry/spouse’s or civil partner’s parent’s birth certificate if latter was born in Ireland / certified copy of naturalisation certificate / certified copy of passport page with photograph).
Certified copy of marriage certificate / civil partnership registration**. NOTE: If your civil partnership was registered in a country other than the State, then recognition of this relationship by the State is determined by reference to the Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2010. You should satisfy yourself that your registered relationship is recognised before making an application based on being the civil partner of an Irish citizen.
The relevant Statutory Declaration must be completed by the Irish spouse/civil partner in the presence of a legal witness (Commissioner for Oaths, Peace Commissioner, Notary Public or Practising Solicitor).
A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your child's current in-date passport. The colour copy must be certified and the passport certification form by a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner or notary public.
A certified copy of your original civil birth certificate, and a copy of a translation into English if the certificate is in a language other than English or Irish.
If you are claiming Irish Association please provide certified copies of all relevant documents of the person(s) through whom you are claiming Irish Association for your child
A guardian ad litem applying on behalf of a minor child should provide a certified copy of the court appointment documents.
A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your current in-date passport. The colour copy must be certified by a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner or notary public. (Minor born in the state on or after 1st January 2005).
I hope this is of assistance to you and the link to apply for naturalisation is here.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!
Yours truly,
Other relevant links:
Citizenship Guidance: How to submit identity documents and residency proofs to support your citizenship application
Glossary of Immigration Terms